Fred Smith, candidate for the Republican nomination for governor:

While it is important that we keep all economic development tools in our toolbox, state funded economic incentives are not the ultimate answer for our state's long-term economic and job development strategy. Our strategy must be for North Carolina to be the best place for business in the nation. We must strive to provide a business environment that promotes business development, growth and success without the need for incentives, allowing for the creation of new jobs and opportunities for a rapidly growing population. This business environment must serve not only large corporations, but more importantly nurture small business, which creates the great majority of opportunities and jobs in our state. (more…)